Places to Visit Details

Once used to be the capital city of Tibet and used to be called Yarlung, Lokhla City is one of the oldest cities in Tibet. Located at the height of 3600m above the sea level, Lokhla city covers 80000sq km area. Home to the earliest monasteries in Tibet, Lokha city is considered as the source of Tibetan culture and history. Full of small lakes and river tributaries Lokhla city is one of the most beautiful city in Tibet. Temperature in Lokhla city is very fluctuating like any other part of Tibet. The temperature difference between day and night is amazing, and hence travelers are advised to bring some warm woolen clothes with them. There aren’t many shops and streets to buy things in Lokhla city but some of the specialties of this city are definitely worth searching for. Jiacha stone articles and Yamdrok air-dried meat are the most famous items you can buy in Lokhla city.

What to see and where to visit in Lokhla city:

There are many places in Lokhla city you surely wouldn’t want to miss. Being the starting point for the Tibetan culture and lifestyle Lokhla city has lots to offer. Oldest temples and the monasteries along with some awe spinning views of this place will take your breath away.

Trandruk Monastery:

Situated on the southern side of mount Gangpo Ri, Tandruk monastery is about 2 Km away from the eastern bank of Yarlung River. This is one of the earliest temple build in Tibet which is said to be built by the King Singtsen Gampo, around the same time famous Jokhang Temple was built. The look of this monastery remarkably matches the looks of the Jokhang Temple. When the monastery was first build by the 5th Dalai Lama the Monastery was way smaller. But over the time many reconstructions has taken place and the Monastery now bears a Golden roof. One thing you wouldn’t want to miss when you visit Trandruk Monastery is the “Pearl Thangka”. This Thangka is embroidered with numerous pearls, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, corals and loads of gold. The monastery opens at 9 AM and closes at PM in the afternoon.

Samye Monastery:

Also called the Three Styled Temple and the centre of attraction for the Buddhists all around the world, Samye monastery is situated in the Shannan Region, to the north of the Tsangpo River. Comprising with three Buddhist idols, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, this monasteries attracts a huge number of tourist every year not only for this religious value but also for its superbly beautiful construction. Tibetan king Trisong Detsen started the construction of this monastery back in 779 AD. After some time, the construction of the monastery was handed over to the famous Buddhist master Padmasambhava. At the opening of the monastery the King permitted the seven Descendents of blue blood to stay and cultivate in the monastery, who later became famous as “Seven Enlightened Disciples of Samye”. Now the monastery has become the national of china and is under the care of the government.

This temple is constructed in a unique way. This building is as exact replica of a Universe mentioned in the Sutras. Right in the centre the majestic hall represents the Mt. Meru, which is considered the starting point of the universe according to the Sutras. Then the sun and moon chapel are built to the north and south of the Wuzi hall similar to the positions of Sun and Moon. You will also find four large and eight small halls which represent the four large and eight small continents of the world. And these are just the outlays of the monastery, inside the monastery you will find many more amazing things and that’s a promise.

There is a reason this monastery is called Three Style Temple. The lowest floor is made in Tibetan style, the middle floor is made in Han style and the topmost floor is made in Indian style making this temple absolutely mesmerizing. Wall of this temple consist many encryptions about Tibetan History and many appealing murals. The walls also have the biography of the great Buddhism tutor Padmasambhava. If possible one should try to visit this temple on either January 5th or May 6th, for these days offer an opportunity to take a look at embroidery of Sakyamuni put on display for the pilgrims.

The temple is open from 9am to 4 pm and this monastery is easily accessible from the city centre. You can take a bus to the banks of River Tsangpo and you can enjoy a boat ride to the doorstep of the temple. From the other end of the river monastery’s bus service will take you to the monastery. You will have to pay a small amount of money to enter the temple but it’s all worth it. Anyone who is planning to visit this monastery is suggested to put aside half day for the trip.

Also called the Three Styled Temple and the centre of attraction for the Buddhists all around the world, Samye monastery is situated in the Shannan Region, to the north of the Tsangpo River. Comprising with three Buddhist idols, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, this monasteries attracts a huge number of tourist every year not only for this religious value but also for its superbly beautiful construction. Tibetan king Trisong Detsen started the construction of this monastery back in 779 AD. After some time, the construction of the monastery was handed over to the famous Buddhist master Padmasambhava. At the opening of the monastery the King permitted the seven Descendents of blue blood to stay and cultivate in the monastery, who later became famous as “Seven Enlightened Disciples of Samye”. Now the monastery has become the national of china and is under the care of the government.

This temple is constructed in a unique way. This building is as exact replica of a Universe mentioned in the Sutras. Right in the centre the majestic hall represents the Mt. Meru, which is considered the starting point of the universe according to the Sutras. Then the sun and moon chapel are built to the north and south of the Wuzi hall similar to the positions of Sun and Moon. You will also find four large and eight small halls which represent the four large and eight small continents of the world. And these are just the outlays of the monastery, inside the monastery you will find many more amazing things and that’s a promise.

There is a reason this monastery is called Three Style Temple. The lowest floor is made in Tibetan style, the middle floor is made in Han style and the topmost floor is made in Indian style making this temple absolutely mesmerizing. Wall of this temple consist many encryptions about Tibetan History and many appealing murals. The walls also have the biography of the great Buddhism tutor Padmasambhava. If possible one should try to visit this temple on either January 5th or May 6th, for these days offer an opportunity to take a look at embroidery of Sakyamuni put on display for the pilgrims.

The temple is open from 9am to 4 pm and this monastery is easily accessible from the city centre. You can take a bus to the banks of River Tsangpo and you can enjoy a boat ride to the doorstep of the temple. From the other end of the river monastery’s bus service will take you to the monastery. You will have to pay a small amount of money to enter the temple but it’s all worth it. Anyone who is planning to visit this monastery is suggested to put aside half day for the trip.

Yumbulagang Palace:

With a history of more than 2000 years, Yumbulagang Palace is the oldest Palace in Tibet. According to the story the Palace was built by the first Tibetan King Nyatri Tsanpo. Located at the top of Jormo Zhaxi Ceri Mountain the palace is visible from a long distance away. This palace was used as a summer palace by the famous King Songtsen Gompo and princess Wencheng. There are rooms for the monks and a bedroom for the Dalai Lama in the palace. The palace also has a tower at the highest point which offers a panoramic view of the Lokhla city. This palace also has a spring which has the power to cure your disease as per the local legend.

Lake Lhamo Nhatso:

The name of this lake describes it all, its importance and its values in Tibetan people. The name Lhaso Nhatso means ‘heavenly mother lake’ in Tibetan language. Situated in Gyacha Mountain at the altitude of 5100m above the sea level the lake freezes almost twice every year. And when it’s not frozen and moving the lake is as clear as glass. The surrounding of the lake offers a fantastic view of mountains around and trip to the lake is often very good trekking route for the adventure seekers. As per the local legend you can see the reflection of your future in the Lake when it’s not frozen.

The best time to visit the Lokhla city is from June to August. Around this time the temperature hovers around 150 C to 200 C. when travelling around the city it’s not possible to get back to your hotel to have the meal. There are loads of world class restaurants offering you fantastic foods. Sichuan cuisine is the most famous Cuisine here. This city demands 2 full days of visit to go though it’s every aspects and it deserves it.

Getting in Lokhla city is not a big problem. Nearest airport is the Goggar airport in Lhasa, which is about 200 Km away from Lokhla. Every major road networks takes you to the Lokhla city and there will be plenty of local transportation services to take you around in the city.